Independence does not mean doing everything alone. People with disabilities can use in-home care providers called Personal Assistants (PAs). A wide variety of consumer options are available; part and full time workers who come to the home, or live-in care.

When PA services are requested, ILRC staff does a “needs and preferences’” assessment to determine what the consumer needs in order to manage in-home care. PAs are pre-screened and referred for a wide variety of service needs. ILRC provides sample interview questions and support for the hiring procedure, as well as a sample contract. The PA is the employee of, and paid by, the individual receiving the services. The PA is not an employee of the Independent Living Resource Center.

ILRC staff recruits, interviews prospective PA applicants and does a preliminary check of their references. Successful applicants are added to the resource pool and referred to consumers.

If you are interested in obtaining the services of a Personal Assistant, please contact your Community Living Advocate.

Personal Assistant Services

The
personal assistant is under direction of the person with the
disability. S/he does the tasks that the employer cannot do for
him/herself. Duties that PAs may fulfill include bathing, dressing, bowel and bladder care, feeding, grooming, range of motion assistance, light housekeeping, errands and driving the consumer to appointments. They may also provide reminders/cuing about medication, safety and other responsibilities.

In contrast to some of the for-profit services providing in-home care, Independent Living Philosophy emphasizes consumer control and direction of the services received. The
personal assistant is under direction of the person with the
disability. S/he does the tasks that the employer cannot do for
him/herself. It may also be obtained at a lower cost.

If you are interested in becoming a Personal Assistant, please follow the follow the steps below:

1. Fill read and sign the " and return the document with your application.

2. Fill out the appropriate application below. Please choose the County in which you are interested in being employed.